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3 Decades
of the Arts

at the Historic Palace Theatre

Cape Charles, VA

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Art, Community, & JOY

in Cape Charles

Since 1997, Arts Enter Cape Charles has brought the visual and performing arts to the lower Eastern Shore of Virginia. ​

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Our vision is that every member of our community has access to the inspiration of the arts, whether as a performer, creator, or appreciator.

Two Venues. One Movement.

Live theatre, music, dance, visual art, film, and arts education come together through Arts Enter's programs at two venues. 

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Historic Palace Theatre

A restored 1942 Art Deco theatre in the heart of Cape Charles. 

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Lemon Tree Gallery

A gallery and creative space where art, music, and community meet. ​​

Upcoming Events

Tickets are on sale now for our 2026-2027 30th Anniversary Season.

  • EVENT POSTPONED: Arias and Duets: Virginia Opera Emerging Artists
    EVENT POSTPONED: Arias and Duets: Virginia Opera Emerging Artists
    Sat, Sep 26
    Lemon Tree Gallery
    EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. Enjoy the beauty of opera up close, surrounded by art and candlelight. Featuring Virginia Opera Emerging Artists. Sponsored by Cynthia Emrich & Tucker Van Dyck, Katherine Reid, and John Burdiss & Cela Burge. $25. Includes champagne + dessert. Stay tuned for new date.
  • Vladyslav Dovhan on Saxophone
    Vladyslav Dovhan on Saxophone
    8 days to the event
    Sun, Oct 04
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Boston-based Ukrainian saxophonist Vladyslav Dovhan journey throughs four musical traditions on the Historic Palace Theatre stage. This first Spotlight Concert Series performance benefits Ukraine. Sponsored by Baker Tilly.
  • Waterwoman: A Reading of the Play by Lenore Hart and David Poyer
    Waterwoman: A Reading of the Play by Lenore Hart and David Poyer
    22 days to the event
    Sun, Oct 18
    Historic Palace Theatre
    On remote Yaupon Island, Annie Revels takes up her late father’s life as a waterman to support her family. But when Nathan arrives, the lives of Annie and her younger sister are changed forever. Sponsored by Rayfield's Pharmacy.
  • Songs of the Harvest: The Doorway Singers
    Songs of the Harvest: The Doorway Singers
    36 days to the event
    Sun, Nov 01
    Historic Palace Theatre
    A Doorway Singers classic featuring the traditional music of Appalachia. Gentle mountain melodies mingle with lively tunes that invite you to dance, charming down-home costumes, and a warm campfire spirit. Sponsored by Delmarva Veteran Builders.
  • Present Laughter: A Comedy by Noël Coward
    Present Laughter: A Comedy by Noël Coward
    Multiple Dates
    55 days to the event
    Fri, Nov 20
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Actor Garry Essendine is charming, hedonistic, and notorious for affairs his wife largely tolerates, until his indiscretions unravel and chaos erupts. Sponsored by Tankard Nurseries and Anonymous.
  • Christmas in New York Dance Showcase
    Christmas in New York Dance Showcase
    70 days to the event
    Sat, Dec 05
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Celebrate the season with an evening of dance, joy, and community. Our Christmas in New York Dance Showcase features talented dancers of all ages in a festive performance inspired by the magic of the Big Apple. Sponsored by Terri & John Birtles | Kim Lenhardt & Lisa George.
  • Songs of Love and Light: The Shore Singers
    Songs of Love and Light: The Shore Singers
    71 days to the event
    Sun, Dec 06
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Join us for an afternoon of festive and sacred songs, performed by the Shore Singers. Directed by Megan Cartwright, the chorus warmly welcomes new members, both professionals and amateurs. Experience the joy of Christmas through shared song. Sponsored by Wendell Distributing. Free.
  • Virginia Symphony Orchestra Holiday Brass
    Virginia Symphony Orchestra Holiday Brass
    77 days to the event
    Sat, Dec 12
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Vibrant and festive brass and percussion deliver a program of classical and contemporary holiday cheer. “Joy to the World,” “Jingle Bells,” and a Hanukkah medley are performed with finesse and flair.  A favorite community tradition. Sponsored by Blue Heron Realty
  • A Crooner's Christmas with Good Shot Judy
    A Crooner's Christmas with Good Shot Judy
    78 days to the event
    Sun, Dec 13
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Good Shot Judy brings holiday classics to life with the timeless sounds of Sinatra, Crosby, Fitzgerald, Bublé, and more. Joined by vintage vocal group The Satin Dollz and a swinging band, Brett Cahoon and Jeanette Corey deliver an unforgettable evening filled with nostalgia. Sponsored by Bay Creek.
  • Films That Move Premiere
    Films That Move Premiere
    125 days to the event
    Fri, Jan 29
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Experience the Winter Edition premiere of Films That Move (formerly Experimental Film Virginia), featuring original dance-inspired short films created on location in and around Cape Charles. See what 25 international artists from multiple disciplines created in just 12 days, presented in 4K.
  • Megan Cartwright: An Evening of Song
    Megan Cartwright: An Evening of Song
    133 days to the event
    Sat, Feb 06
    Lemon Tree Gallery
    Join Megan for an evening of beloved songs in this second concert in our Candlelight series at Lemon Tree. Whether tender, playful, or delightfully funny, Megan's selections are sure to brighten a February night. $25 adults | $15 students. Includes champagne and desserts. Sponsored by Mark Clark MD.
  • Man In Black: Johnny Cash Tribute
    Man In Black: Johnny Cash Tribute
    146 days to the event
    Fri, Feb 19
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Shawn Barker revitalizes the true character and spirit of Mr. Cash himself, one of America’s greatest musical icons. With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice, and mannerisms, Shawn has an uncanny resemblance to the original “Man In Black.” The show is complete with a full backing band.
  • Who's Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute
    Who's Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute
    161 days to the event
    Sat, Mar 06
    Historic Palace Theatre
    A groundbreaking fusion of pop and symphony, Who’s Bad brings Michael Jackson’s greatest hits to life with full orchestral power. The world’s longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band delivers the joy, spectacle, and electric energy of the King of Pop in a performance that brings people together.

Arts Education

Nurture your creativity and build community.

To apply for a scholarship, fill out the registration form.
Fall session starts Sept 10.

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Dance

Discover the joy of movement with dance classes for all ages, from creative movement and ballet to jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and ballroom. 

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Music

Private piano and voice lessons are available on Thursday afternoons. Adults are also invited to join The Shore Singers, our community chorus.

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Theatre

A free monthly theatre club on Friday afternoons and musical theatre summer camps teach students how to perform on stage.

Sponsors

Sponsors

Legacy Sponsors

Transformational gifts sustain the arts during a milestone year. 

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Parnters

Valued partnerships ensure that Arts Enter's mission continues.

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Mainstage Sponsors

Arts supporters help bring special performances to Cape Charles.

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Spotlight Sponsors

Sponsors help highlight talent on the Historic Palace Theatre stage.

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Candlelight Sponsors

Patrons of the arts bring intimate live music at Lemon Tree.

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Scholarships

Community champions help make arts education accessible.

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Generous donors make our programs possible.

Thank you for being a part of our 2026-2027 30th Anniversary Season!

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Thank You

to every business, organization, and individual who generously sponsored an event and purchased an ad in our playbill.

We appreciate your support! It's not too late to join these donors and become a patron of the arts.

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Celebrating 30 years

As we approach Arts Enter's 30 year anniversary in 2027, we reflect back on three decades of bringing the arts to Cape Charles. We are also grateful for 10 years at Lemon Tree Gallery, since 2016.


Thank you to all who are a part of the journey—past, present, and future!

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Please be a part of our commemorative coffee table book.
Schedule an interview or send photos.
Join us on June 12, 2027 for our Reunion and Celebration.

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"The arts, it has been said, cannot change the world, but they may change human beings who might change the world."— MAXINE GREENE

Donate 

Help us reach our goal of $30,000 to celebrate 30 years in 2027

volunteer

Lend your time and talents to support the arts

Shop Curio

Shop vintage finds and support the arts with every purchase

Contact Us

Address

Lemon Tree & Palace Theatre

301-305 Mason Avenue
Cape Charles, VA 23310

 

Curio Cottage
12 Strawberry St
Cape Charles, VA 23310

Contact

757-331-2787 (ARTS)

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Lemon Tree Hours

Mon-Thurs

10:00 am—5:00 pm

Friday

10:00 am—8:00 pm

Saturday

10:00 am—5:00 pm

Sunday

10:00 am—3:00 pm

Curio Cottage Hours

Thurs - Sat

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join our email list

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Quick Links

© 2026 by Arts Enter Cape Charles

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